Northeastern State's Randy Gipson has been the architect behind nine consecutive winning seasons and four NCAA Tournaments.
The five-time Lone Star Conference North Division Coach of the Year (2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2008) has also directed Northeastern State's RiverHawks to five LSC Tournament appearances, an LSC Tournament title and a Sweet 16 Finish 2004.
To some, the feat may not sound that impressive, but considering the fact that Gipson inherited a program in 1999 that had forged just one winning campaign in nine years, this stretch of success is astounding. In 2004 NSU posted a 25-8 record and were a win away from the Elite 8. NSU's 25 wins also established a new school record.
Gipson's record at Northeastern State stands at 165-93 entering the 2008-2009 season and over the course of his coaching tenure of 18 years, he has a sterling 455-168 mark.
His basketball philosophy is built around the "team" and not in just one or two players. That style has paid dividends for NSU in a short period of time. "We set out with the idea to build a basketball program, not just have a great team," said Gipson. "That involves bringing in student-athletes with good character who are not just good basketball players. They are asked to play hard and represent the university in a positive manner. We have been able to accomplish that since I became the head coach."
The RiverHawks mentor also stresses fundamentals and scrappy "in-your-face" defense. That has helped NSU become a leader in NCAA Division II in many of the major defensive categories. NSU has led the LSC in scoring defense in each of the past six seasons and opponents have been limited to just 37 percent field goal shooting against the RiverHawks over the past four years.
As Gipson enters his 10th season, the bar has been raised. The expectations for NSU women's basketball have changed from just being a contender in the always-tough Lone Star Conference to being a perennial power on the regional and national stages.
Gipson's path to NSU was forged through a highly successful stint at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (NEO) Junior College where he coached the Lady Norse to a record of 290-75 over 11 years. Gipson was a three-time Region II Coach of the Year. While at NEO, Gipson led the Lady Norse to a National Runner-up finish in 1999.
Before taking over the reins at NEO, Gipson served as an assistant coach for the men's program under his brother and current Redmen head coach Larry Gipson. The two Gipson’s are the only brothers to coach the same sports of different genders in all of America.
A native of Marion, Ohio, Gipson received his bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky where he also played baseball. He completed his master's degree in secondary school counseling from Pittsburg (Kansas) State University in 1985.
Gipson also teaches psychology at NSU and prides himself the graduation rates of his student-athletes. He and his wife, Pam, have one daughter, Carly.
